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Lana Catalano: Beginnings, Journeys & Rewards

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Throughout the four years, I gained friendships that continue to inspire me to seek excellence and continue with life-long learning. I use social media to remain connected to many students and professors. I enjoy hearing about their successes. The MBA(FS) program had a huge impact on my life. This was a time of heightened learning, which continues to influence and reward my personal and career pathways.

Lana Catalano MBA(FS) Class of 2011

Lana Catalano MBA(FS) Class of 2011

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe once wrote: “The greatest thing in this world is not so much where we stand as in what direction we are moving.”

The human experience may be defined by the journeys we undertake during our lifetimes. The decision to engage in a rigorous academic program is not made lightly, for travelers know that the road ahead will demand their highest commitment to excellence. Even so, the rewards of knowledge, experience, and camaraderie are well worth the hard work and effort.

Lana Catalano MBA(FS) Class of 2011, is a champion of life-long learning and suggests that the MBA programs offered through the Centre for Advanced Management Education (CFAME) equip graduates with strategies to thrive in a highly competitive work environment.

Lana Catalano:

I recommend that anyone considering a MBA program, complete the necessary research prior to making the final decision and applying for enrollment.

Without doubt, it is a huge step and commitment to enroll in an MBA program as a mature student after years of working and involved within a less formal educational structure.

Participating in a MBA program had been my long-range goal. The challenge was finding the right time to begin. I knew that I would be adding study hours to my already busy schedule. I enjoyed my family time as well as the challenges of my career.  There was definitely self doubt. Am I too old? Am I smart enough? Do I have the time? Can I juggle the demands of family, school and work? And, can I commit to this for a 4+ year term?

I sent away for information on different programs, local and distance learning, and explored an accounting degree as well as Executive MBA. What impressed me most about the MBA(FS) program was the flexibility and recognition of industry courses through the partnership with CSI and the CFP track.  I appreciated the virtual component, which allowed individuals to study and complete assignments on their time as opposed to having to attend a certain class time-slot.

The courses were available in Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto, Halifax and throughout the summer which gave me the chance to map out a few options for a shorter or longer-term completion depending on how many courses taken per semester. I had the option to take the summer off or double up on courses in a particular semester.

The support I received throughout the program, especially at the beginning, helped in my decision process and in mapping out the degree program. I had the pleasure of attending intensives across the country in every city.  The students and professors I met as I progressed through the courses, confirmed that I had made the right decision and gave me confidence that I would succeed.

Every student had a different story, background and experience which made the interactions and topics relevant and interesting. Group work was enhanced because of our individual course order, which was based on location, preference and knowledge base. Our diverse experiences gave insight as to what we could look forward to in future courses.

Throughout the four years, I gained friendships that continue to inspire me to seek excellence and continue with life-long learning. I use social media to remain connected to many students and professors. I enjoy hearing about their successes. The MBA(FS) program had a huge impact on my life. This was a time of heightened learning, which continues to influence and reward my personal and career pathways.

I am strong advocate and active promoter of the MBA(FS) program. For those who may have the goal to further their education, I recommend contacting the CFAME team and explore the options available through Dalhousie Centre for Advanced Management Education.

 

 

 

Pierre Ghorbanian: Life After Graduation

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Pierre Ghorbanian, Business Development Director, BMO Insurance, Advanced Markets

Pierre Ghorbanian, Business Development Director, BMO Insurance, Advanced Markets

Pierre Ghorbanian, MBA(FS), crossed the stage in 2016. As Business Development Director, BMO Insurance, Advanced Markets, Pierre’s primary mandate is the promotion of advanced case strategies within the independent advisor channel. He is active in supporting the product and concept development team at BMO Insurance.

In a recent virtual interview with CFAME Connection, Pierre reflected upon the year since graduation, and how his academic journey influenced and added depth to his personal and professional experiences.

Pierre Ghorbanian:

Congratulations to the Class of 2017. All the very best as you pursue new projects and challenges.  Welcome to our vibrant alumni community.

For a few months after the capstone course, it will feel strange to have free time. Like many other graduates, I miss the interaction with other students and professors. The professors, having led interesting lives, provided great perspectives on issues or topics at hand.  I especially enjoyed the intensives as they offered great opportunities to engage in authentic conversations. Within this safe and collaborative environment, students could speak freely, listen to other view points, and network with others from a wide range of financial institutions and lines of businesses.

How did the MBA influence your choices and decisions?

The most significant influence relates to how I recognize the human element behind my decision-making.  When we problem-solve or examine issues, whether individually or within a group structure, we must be mindful of the outcomes on stakeholders. Management decisions can be positive or negative for employees, intermediaries, and external end users.  It is critical not to get lost in product design or processes.

Have you changed your life’s priorities?

A combination of completing the program (and the feeling of accomplishment that came with it) along with a recent health incident has resulted in reprioritizing my goals.  I have reconnected with what is most important in my life, which has led to a better and more creative work/life balance.  I tell myself that I am running a marathon and not a race; and to enjoy the moment now.

How have you integrated the knowledge you acquired from your MBA Studies? 

My MBA journey taught me to undertake extensive background research on a topic or issue before tackling a situation. I also make it a point to open up my course notes, from time to time, for a quick refresher.  Usually something occurs which triggers a memory.  I find that I learn something new that I may not have fully understood the first time around.

Learning did not stop when I graduated. Looking back over the past year, I recognize, more than ever before, the importance of continuing life-long learning.

 

Jim Spitali: A Passion for Learning

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“I have a passion for learning. I want to instill positive learning in others.  I accomplish this in my spare time by teaching for Sheridan College in their Faculty of Business.  Many of my students are far more creative than me, inspiring me to continue to challenge myself and stay caught up ‘with the times’.”

Jim Spitali, Vice President Operations at Genworth Canada

Jim Spitali, Vice President Operations at Genworth Canada

Jim Spitali, Vice President Operations at Genworth Canada

Jim Spitali, Vice President Operations at Genworth Canada, has a stellar record within the financial service industry.  His authentic and genuine leadership energizes team synergies, fostering a collaborative spirit.  His numinous awards, including being named Top Forty under 40 by Business Link Niagara in 2014, demonstrate a strong commitment to helping others achieve their full potential. Jim is a part-time Professor with the Faculty of Business at Sheridan College and sits on the Board of Directors for Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Niagara.

CFAME Connection caught up with Jim on one of his less busy days for a virtual interview to see how the MBA(FS) influenced his choices going forward.

“I chose the MBA (FS) program,” Jim said, “because I wanted to develop skills and knowledge that would help me become more strategic so that I could operate successfully at an executive level.  I also wanted to further my education to a higher standard. 

Many of the MBA assignments allowed us to apply real life examples into our learning.  I found this to be quite helpful as I was able to take work that I was currently doing in my job and bring it to a more strategic level.  There were also several classes and learnings that were fairly new to me; having now completed that learning I am more competent in my role as Vice President of Operations at Genworth Canada.  Corporate Finance was an excellent example of this as I know have a much better understanding of financial statements and concepts. 

For those who are considering taking the challenge of an MBA, I agree with Dr. McLarney. Don’t just do it for the letters after your name.  Do it because you want to learn.  An MBA takes a lot of time away from family and certainly minimizes your personal time.  If you can turn this additional time into new learnings, you will appreciate it much more in the end and you will have an excellent sense of accomplishment when crossing that stage at the end of your journey. Its also important to have a strong support network.  I couldn’t have done it without the support of Genworth Canada and my family.”

On the question of how to integrate creativity and achieve a “balanced” life, Jim acknowledged, “I enjoy basketball and when I quickly realized that I wasn’t talented when it came to dribbling a ball while also running…I decided to trade in my jersey for stripes!  Fifteen plus years later, I continue to officiate basketball.  I am very fortunate to be on the Ontario University Athletics panel of basketball officials and enjoy travelling to the many Universities across Ontario in my zebra stripes!”

So, what is Jim’s next challenge?

“Fatherhood,” Jim enthused. “I have now been a father for just over 7 months and I have the greatest respect for my fellow classmates that completed their MBA while having children.  I’m sure I saved the next challenge in my life (of being a father) for the end of my MBA journey.”

 

 

Getting it Right – A Graduate’s Perspective

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Wanita Fonseka MBS(FS) 2013

Wanita Fonseka MBS(FS) Class of 2013

Wanita Fonseka, Vice-President of Operations for Meridian, walked across the stage in 2013 to receive her MBA (FS). A financial service professional with over 20 years in retail branch and corporate experience, Wanita identified with Dr. McLarney’s discussion on Marks vs. Scholarship. Wanita believes that sustainable results, whether they are work related or personal endeavours, are a consequence of creating a climate of trust, encouraging diversity of thought, and leveraging individual talents.  Dr. McLarney’s words “the enormous obligation to get it right,” resonated, especially given the many priorities that mark our days.

“Getting it right,” noted Wanita in a telephone interview with CFAME Connection, “is more than a career responsibility.  It is about balancing work achievements with personal successes, by engaging in a compassionate and generous community.” Wanita contends that career opportunities, family commitments, and life-long learning goals are compatible when we are surrounded by a supportive environment. 

Wanita Fonseka:

“I am delighted to participate in the “Marks vs. Scholarship” dialogue.  A special thanks to Dr. McLarney and Irena Stropnik.   CFAME Connection is a fantastic opportunity to connect and share experiences.

What is balance anyway?  Does it mean distribution of yourself equally amongst everything that is included in work and life?  It certainly cannot be so.  If you are like me, you spend many, many, many hours at work without recognition for how quickly the hands on the clock are moving.  Next thing you know, you are late for that Karate class that you promised you would take your son to, or forgot that you told your friends that you would call them back, or did not check in on your mother with memory lapse to see how she’s coping… and the list goes on and on.

There cannot be an equal distribution on a daily basis.  What works for me may not work for you.  What you place a greater emphasis on, I may not.  What I do know is that I am surrounded by a support system that does not judge who I am, applauds me for what I do, challenges me to try new things, and will tell me that they need me when they feel I have drifted.  It is a system that is made up of colleagues, family, friends (new and old), teachers (not just by profession), children, blogs, books, and articles.  I find balance in reaching out to those in my support system and that means whenever and wherever.  It means booking things in calendars so they are not missed, it means leaning on those event coordinators (you know who you are) that plan vacations, dinners, and impromptu get-togethers.

Balance is what you make it; and it has made all the difference in my life.